Steel cribbing



Sept' 23, `1941 E. s. uTzLER ETAL 2,256,911

STEEL CRIBBING:

4Filed July 19, 195s 8 Smets-sheet 1 Sept. 23, 1941. E. s. uTzLER ErAl.

STEEL CRIBBING Filed July 19, 1958 8 Sheets-Sheet 2` Sept 23, l941- E. s. uTzLER Erm. 2,256,911

STEEL CRIBBING E 9 i/EN T065,

- Ml-91W' Sept. 23, 1941. E. S. UTZLR ET Al.

STEEL CRIBBING Filed July 19, 1938 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN1/EN T0125,

SePf- 2.3,*r 1941. E, s- UTZLER ET AL 2,256,911

STEEL CRIBB'ING Filed July 19, 1938 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Patented Sept. 23, 1941 UNiTso sra'rss .Erg i gtst-ICE i STEEL calname .applicaties July 19, 193s, serial No. 229,032,A

(o1. i1-47) a 15 Ciaims.

The present invention pertains to steel cribbing used in erecting retaining walls, either with or without a superpo-sed loading in addition to the material lling in the spaces behind the face of the retaining wall.

Among the objects of the present invention are the provision of individual members forming the cribbing, which members are light in weight so as to be readily handled, have a low cost of manufacture, are quickly and cheaply assembled, and of a design t0 develop greater strength for a given weight of the material used.

In addition to the mechanical features of the cribbing structure the members comprising the outer wall thereof are designed to provide `an exposed closed face therefor of improved appearance which may be obtained in a cribbing structure having the face thereof in one plane or provided with offsets or corners in the front wall.

These and other objects will be made apparent as the description proceeds.

While we `are aware that cribbing structures of the general type disclosed in the present invention are not new in that cribbing structures are well known to the art, first in the form of i;

wood, later in the form of concrete, and more recently formed of steel, all of the cribbing structures heretofore known utilized the end portions oniy of the header to carry compressive as well as tension loading by interposing the ends of the header between two stretchers of the cribbing wall. This resulted in the formation o f open spaces between the vertically disposed rows of stretchers forming the front wall of the cribbing, and in cases where the cribbingwas used as a retaining wall, resulted in not only an unsightly appearance, but also permitted the earth, rock, or other filling materials t0 fall through these openings and be deposited at the foot of the structure. Many different attempts have been made to close these openings with Varying degrees of success.

In the present invention it is not only possible t0 provide a closed front wall for the cribbing structure but a `closed wall which readily lends itself to various embossments which not only contribute greatly to the strength of the structure but may be of forms simulating brick or stone and which may be painted with any desired materials for enhancing the appearance or increasing the corrosive resisting qualities of the metal.

Most of the cribbing structures of the type with which this invention is concerned are designed as permanent structures, that is, to remain in place after being once erected. However,

there are times when it has been desired to erect only temporary structures and the presentinvention lends itself readily to quick nad easy |assembly anddis-assembly by reason of certain features hereinafter more fully described, and

Vby the absence of'loose fastening means between the various'members comprising these structures.

.accessible for applic-ation of a protective medium whether it be galvanizing, painting, or any other medium used for asimilar purpose, but in addiltion provides flexibility 0f assembly in various heights, lengths, and contours of the wall.

Referring now tothe drawings: Fig. 1 showsV in perspective a portion of a cribbing wall embodying the invention. Fig. 2 show-s a typical cro-ss section through the'wall such as on line 2-2`of Fig. 1 and illustrates the manner of assemblingand connecting the various component 'members to` form the wall shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows in enlarged detail typical sections through superposed stretcher members of Fig..2. Fig. 3a shows an end elevation ofthe stretchermembers. Fig. 4 shows a section4 taken on line 4 4 of Fig. 2 to illustrate the cross section of the -header member connecting spaced stretcher members. Figs. 5 and 6 show enlarged typical elevations ofthe front and rear faces of superposed stretcher members, the vertical mid portions of. said figures showing yabutting end portions of the members and the upper andl lower portions of the gures showing the longitudinal mid portion-s of adjacent stretcher beams. Figs. 7 `and 8 show in enlarged detail a portion of the front face and top flange, respectively, of the stretcher members. Fig'. 9 shows in elevation a portionvof the wall taken on lines 9-9 of Fig, 1, illustrating the assembly of stretcher and header members, and the three types of llers used. Figs. land 11 show plan views of the stretcher members at corners or offsets in the face of the cribbing structure. Fig. 12 shows in enlarged detail the angle portion of the rstretcher member of Fig. 10. Figs. 13 to 16, inclusive, show sections taken on corresponding lines of Figs. 10, l1 and 12. Figfl'? shows the arrangement offstretcher and header members at an offset in the face of the cribbing structure. Fig. 18 shows in elevation a portion of the face of the wall illustrating arrangement of stretcher beams shown in Figs. 7 and 11. Figs. 19 and 2O are typical sections taken on lines I9 lines 27--21 of Fig. 26 for the same purpose.

Fig. 28 shows in elevation the assembly of the capping members with the stretcher members at the top of the wall structure. Fig. 29 is a section through the capping and stretcher members taken on lines 29--29 of Fig. 28.

Referring now in detail to the drawings where like reference characters refer to like parts, the cribbing structure compris a front Wall formed of a plurality of staggered rows of superposed stretcher members I, a rear wall comprising a Vplurality of rows of vertically spaced stretcher members I, with fillers 2 between the vertically spaced rows of said latter stretcher members, and the stretcher members of the front and rear walls connected by header members 3. As illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings, where an oiset or corner is formed in the structure, the stretcher members I are displaced by stretcher members 4 forming the outside corner and stretcher members 5 forming the inside corner of the front wall of the cribbing structure. It being understood that where suflicient space or length of wall permits, the usual stretcher I is used between the stretcher members 4 and 5 to complete the wall as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 17 of the drawings.

Following the usual practice originating in wood and concrete cribbing structures, where the lstructures are of coniderable height the header members 3 are of different lengths. As an eX- ample, in the wall illustratedin Fig. 1, the lower header members 3 are'8 ft. in length; the intermediate header members 3, 6 ft. in length; and

-the top -header members 3", 4 it. in length. Where the height of the wall necessitates additional anchorage, it is sometimes deemed advisable to place one or more lower rows of stretch- Yers I rearwardly of the two previously recited stretcher members, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2,

which additional rows of stretcher members are f connected in the usual manner by header members 3. 3

At the top of the wall when appearance is important, a capping member Il is sometimes used andas the cribbing structure or retaining Wall is not always of the same vertical height throughout its length the capping members 6 may present a stepped appearance as illustrated in Fig. l of the drawings.

Referring now to Figs. 2, 3, 3a, 8 and 9 of the drawings, the stretcher members I are preferably of pressed metal substantially channel shape in cross section and are assembled in the front wall of the structure as superposed staggered rows of uniformly loaded beam members iixed at both ends.

In the rear wall of the structure the stretcher members may be arranged as in the front wall, or if desired, the rows of stretcher members may be vertically spaced with filler members supporting adjacent ends of abutting stretcher members in. each row. These stretchers in either case are arranged with the flanges thereof directed toward -the flanges of the stretchers at the opposite ends of the connecting header.

In either of the above arrangements the stretcher members comprising opposing walls of the structure are connected by header members which act merely as tension members.

Referring in detail to the stretcher members I, each comprises a substantially vertical web 7, top ange 8, and bottom flange 9 integrally formed. The bottom flange 9 is wider than the top ilange 8 and provided with a depending flange I 0 extending longitudinally of the stretcher I and spaced outwardly of a vertical plane through the outer free end of the top flange 8. The top flange has a plurality of apertures I 5 therein spaced longitudinally of the member I. The bottom flange 9 has a plurality of apertures I6 registering withA the apertures in the top flange and provided with depending annular flanges Ia, the outside diameter of the flanges I6*1 being less than the diameter of the apertures I5 so that the flanges I6a of one stretcher member will engage within the apertures I5 of an adjacent stretcher member when the stretcher members I are assembled in superposed relation. As it is sometimes desirable to arrange the superposed rows of stretcher members in staggered relation so that abutting ends of stretcher members in one row meet adjacent the center of a stretcher member in the adjacent row, it has been found desirable to space the apertures I5 and I6 along the flanges 8 and 9 of the stretcher member I equally distantv from each end of the stretcher and about the vertical centerline through the stretcher.

In retaining walls formed of stretcher members assembled in the manner described supra the pressure on the wall from the iilling medium behind the walls varies with the moisture content and nature of such filling medium. In any condition other than a fluid state, the pressure from the filling medium is not along horizontal lines but inclined downwardly so that there is both a vertical and horizontal component of the force exerted upon the stretcher members, the vertical component being least when the lling medium approaches a fluid state.

Because of vertical forces exerted on the stretcher members it is necessary to provide certain vertical reinforcements. These are provided by the vertical embossments I4 in the web 'I of the stretchers and by the members I3 disposed between the flanges 8 and 9 and preferably in spaced relation to the web 'I of the stretcher members. Due-to the aforesaid staggered arrangement of the rows of stretcher members it is preferable to dispose the vertical reinforcing members I3 adjacent the apertures I5 and I6 in the anges 8 and 9 as illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 of the drawings. Where required additional members I3a may be used as shown on Fig. 8.

For purposes of improving the appearance of the face of the wall formed of these stretcher members in the manner described, the stretcher web 'I of the member is preferably embossed outwardly, themajor portion of the embossment being vertically disposed and joining the flanges by inwardly inclined portions as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 8 of the, drawings. To further improve the outward appearance of the face of the wall it is preferable to space the vertical embossments I 4 in the web I of the stretcher so as to simulate the joints between cut stone.

As previously stated, the header members 3, connecting vopposing stretcher members in the opposing walls of a structure of the character described, function merely as tension members so that the means connecting the stretcher members I and header members 3 are in shear only. At Aeach end of the stretcher member, as illustrated in Fig. Se, are preferably vertically di-sposed flanges I I formed by turning a portion of the vertical web l of the stretcher rearwardly and between the flanges 8 and 9. The horizontal edges of the flange Il may be. integrally formed with flanges 8 and as in Figs. 3, 5 and 6 but 'are preferably in spaced relation to flanges 8 and 9 since they are not needed to contribute to the vertical reinforcement Vof the stretcher member. However, as the body of the stretcher member is built of light plate, usually lg" or less, these flanges may becomeV distorted in handling or shipping and for that reason we prefer to tack weld the upper outer corner of the flange II to the flange 8 as at Si'. In order t secure the header member 5' to this flange, one or more apertures 33 are formed in the flange il to receive the flanges 39a of the apertures 3% placed in the header member 3. As it is sometimes desirable to place a header intermediatethe ends of the stretcher, a member i2 apertured'in the same manner as member I may beV vertically disposed at substantially the vertical medial line through the stretcher member I and connected with either the flanges 8 and 9 or the web I,or both.

From the foregoing description of the construction of the stretcher members, and particularly the disposition of the flanges thereof, it will be apparent that the flange 9 with its depending portion I0 combined with the web 'l produces a substantially Z-shape resisting both horizontal and vertical deflection of the stretcher. Thus, in the front wall of the structure where the stretchers are in superposed relation and in the rear wall where the stretchers are in vertically spaced relation the said Z-shape and vertical members I3 carry substantially all the vertical loading placed on the stretchers. As shown in Fig. 9 the members I3 combine with the stretcher member flanges 8 and 9 to form a continuous beam eX- tending substantially from top to bottom of the wall. The filler 2 in the back face of the wall acts as a short stretcher to transmit the load to the next lower stretcher. Y

As illustrated in Figs. 2 and /l of the'drawings,

the header members 3 are preferably formed of f pressed metal, channel shaped in cross section, comprising a vertical web l'I having integrally formed top and bottom flanges I8. To further increase the strength thereof the header members 3 are preferably made pan-shaped having end portions I9. Adjacent each end of the header 3 in the vertical web Il are vertically spaced apertures 39 having annular flanges 35e adapted to register with the apertures 33 in the header connection members II and l2 of the stretcher member I. Some of the header members 3 have suitable apertures 25 spaced` longitudinally of the member in the web Il thereof and members 22 disposed between the flanges I8 at said apertures for a purpose hereinafter described. Y

The filler members are indicated Vas 2, 2e, and 2b on Fig. 9 and may be described as filler, half filler, and step-back filler, respectively. The filler 2 is preferably the same in cross section as a cross f section through the stretcher I with the flange IE preferably omitted and is functionally a short stretcher. Intermediate the ends of the filler is a vertical member I2 preferably such as used in the stretcher member l and functioning as such when CFI required. The ends of lthe ller member 2 are preferably closed and at each end are Vertical reinforcements I3 suchas used in the stretcher I. On opposite sides of the vertical'member I2, and of the same spacing as in the stretcher members I, are the apertures 40 in the rtop flange and the apertures 4I with flanges 4 la in the bottom flange of the filler the same as in the stretcher I. This filler 2 substitutes for a-stretcher member I where vertically spaced rows of stretcher members form the wall. Y l Y The half filler 2a illustrated in Fig. 9 is the same in cross section as the filler 2, having one reinforcement member I3 and one header connection member I2. It will be observed that the filler 2a is substantially one-half the overall length of the filler 2 and has but one aperture in each of the top and bottom anges, similar in all respects to those in the top and bottom anges of the filler 2. Thehalf filler 2a is used at the ends of the wall or row of stretcher members.

The step-back filler 2b as illustrated in Fig. 9 is channel-shaped in cross section having the rweb of the channel of greater vertical height than the vertical height of the fillers'Z and 2a. Upon reference to Fig. 9 ofthe drawings it will be observed `that the filler 2b extends from beneath the flange 9 of the stretcher member to the neXtadjacent lower header member', the top flange of the step-back filler being of greater length than the bottom angeand Ahaving two apertures ft2 thereinI spaced the same distance on either side of the central vertical reinforcing'memb'er I3b as in the ller 2, and the bottom fiange ofn the stepback filler 2b having no aperture therein, rmerely resting upon the adjacent header 3. The Astepback ller 2c is of the same vertical height as the step-back filler 2b 'and substantially one-half the width thereof. As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 9, the step-back llers 2b and 2c respectively are used only at the points where the header members are of different length and the stretcher members are -disposed above a header member As o that the stepback filler has a top angein engagement with abutting stretcher members' and its bottom flange resting on the adjacent header member, thefstepback filler 2'3 being a special filler and used only at construction jointsso that its-top flange engages but one stretcher member' and its bottom flange engaging the adjacentv lower header member. Y Y Y l n Referring nowV to the stretcher members 4 yand 5 forming the corner or offset in the'front wall ofthe structure and particularly Figsl l, and 10 to 16V inclusive, the stretcher m-ember 4 being known as an outside corner 'stretcher and the stretcher member 5 being known as an inside corner stretcher. Thesestretcher members are shown angular in form having one leg of the angle longer than the other, and are made Yright and leftV hand when the stretchermembers are assembled in staggered relation as shown in Fig. l of the drawings, that is, the abutting edges of two adjacent stretchers in the same row are disposed intermediate the ends of the adjacent stretcher in the neXt adjacent row.l Thus, by

making the stretcher 5 right and left hand, insofar as the length of the legsl is Vconcerned this staggered arrangement can be maintained onthe angularly disposed faces of the wall as well as on the front face thereof. Y f

The stretcher member d is of thesame contour in cross section as the stretcher member I and has the longer leg thereof ofr a length greater than one-half the length of a full-sized stretcher I. The angular form of ythe stretcher is preferably produced by cutting a V-shaped section out of the top and bottom flanges thereof and bending the web rearwardly till the flanges on one side of the V-shaped cutmeets the flanges on the other side and welding the flanges together. It is also preferable to locate one of the vertical reinforcing members I3 at this point, as illustrated in Fig. 11 of the drawings.

The inside corner stretcher 5 is formed by cutting the flanges 8 and 9 of the stretcher and bending the web 'I of the stretcher to form an inside corner. The opening formed by the bending of the flanges being preferably filled in by oppositely disposed oset plates 36 secured to the inner faces of the flanges 3 and 9 and these plates are vertically reinforced by the usual reinforcing member I3 as illustrated in Figs. l0, 12 and 14 of the drawings, thereby providing vfull bearing surfaces on the top and bottom flanges of the corner stretchers at the offsets therein. As previously stated, the stretchers 4 and 5 are in all respects similar to the stretchers I except for modifications just described.

Referring now to Figs. 21 to 25 inclusive wherein is disclosed the arrangement and details of the header members at a construction joint. 'When erecting retaining walls of cribbing of the type described supra, and particularly where considerable length of wall is being erected, it is oftentimes desirable to lill in behind portions of the partially erected wall before erecting the remaining portions of the wall. In such cases the filling medium being disposed on opposite sides of all but the end row of header members 3 prevents lateral distortion of the header members. At the end of the wall, however, the header members 3 will have but one side in engagement with the filling medium and in order to stiffen these header members we have provided a tie having re-entrant flanges 2| at opposite ends thereof. These tie members 20 extend between the end headers 3 and the next adjacent headers 3 at the end of the wall with the flanges 2l embracing vertical stiffening members 22 in the headers 3 as shown n Figs. 21 to 24 inclusive of the drawings, thereby preventing lateral deflection of the end members 3.

In some cases where it is not desirable to continue the face of the wall across the ends of the wall as shown in the off-sets of the wall in Fig. 1 of the drawings, the header members 3 are left exposed at the en-d of the wall. As shown in Figs. 2 and 22 of the drawings these header members at the ends of the wall are spaced apart and the filling medium behind the face of the wall would escape through these spaces unless confined. For the purpose of confining the filling medium, filler headers 3 are inserted. These filler headers are substantially the same in construction as the headers 3 but are used only at the ends of the wall and thus, there being no similar filler headers 3c between the next adjacent vertical row of headers inwardly from the end of the wall, tie bars 20 cannot be used to prevent deflection of the headers outwardly of the wall under pressure from the lling medium. For this reason another means is provided for preventing deflection of the filler headers 3c which means comprises an angular member of sufficient length to overlap the top and bottom flanges respectively of the adjacent headers below and above the ller header as shown in Figs. 22 and 23 of the drawings. This member 23 is secured in place by means of the member 24 rivetedthereto and having its free edge provided with a flange engaging the stiffener 22 of the filler header 3c as illustrated in Figs. 22 and 25 of the drawings, the member 24 being fastened to the stiffener 22 by means of the bolt 25.

Referring now to Figs. 26 and 2'7 of the drawings, it is necessary in a retaining wall having a closed face as disclosed in the drawings to provide some means for drainage in order to reduce hydrostatic pressure behind the face of the wall. For this purpose it is desirable to omit stretcher members at spaced intervals Y in several of the lower courses of stretcher members forming the face of the wall and adjacent the base of the wall. In cases where the courses of stretcher members are in staggered relation as disclosed in the drawings, the joints between adjacent stretcher members in the courses of stretcher members above and below the drainage opening would be unsupported and for this purpose a filler member 2'I is provided as illustrated in Fig. 26 of the drawings. This filler member is in form a miniature stretcher member having apertures I5 and I6 in the top and bottom flanges thereof spaced as in the stretcher member I so as to match up with the adjacent courses of stretcher members. It will be observed that a filler 2 can advantageously be used as a substitute for member 21.

At the top of the wall in order to finish off same, it is oftentimes desirable to providea cap 5, one form of which is illustrated in Figs. 28 and 29 of the drawings, comprising a hollow substantially U-shaped member having a web 28, top and bottom flanges 29 and 30, the top flange 29 preferably being provided with a depending flange 3I at the rear edge thereof. A vertically disposed reinforcing member 32 is preferably disposed between the top and bottom flanges and secured thereto, preferably by welding. In the bottom flanges 30 of the member 6 are suitably spaced apertures matching with similar apertures placed in the top flange of the stretcher members I through which are inserted suitable fastening means such as the bolts 33 securing the cap 6 to the top course of stretcher members.

Having thus described the invention what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a retaining wall, the combination of superposed rows of abutting channel shaped stretcher members having header connection flanges and top and bottom flanges extending rearwardly from the face of the wall, means on the top and bottom flanges of each stretcher member registering with complementary means on the flanges of adjacent stretcher members for securing the members against lateral displacement, vertically spaced rows of channel shaped stretcher members having abutting header connection flanges and disposed rearwardly of said superposed stretcher members, the flanges of said secondnamed stretcher members being directed towards said first-named stretcher members, substantially channel shaped filler members disposed between the spaced rows of said second-named stretcher members, at least one flange of the filler member engaging adjacent ends of the flanges of two abutting second-named stretcher members, similarly registering complementary means on said filler member flanges and the adjacent second-named stretcher member flanges engaging to resist lateral displacement, and channel shaped header members connecting the opposite first-named and second-named stretchermembers, Vsaid header members being disposed atthe ends of the rst-named andv second-named stretcher members and between the flanges of the rst-'named and second-named stretchermembers, the end portions of said header members and the header connection anges of said stretcher members being provided with` similar registering complementary engaging meansy to prevent lateral' displacement. of theconnected stretcher and header members.

2. In a retaining wall in combination, a pluralityrof superposed rows of stretcher members each inclu-ding `a vertical web having rearwardly disposed horizontal flanges at opposite vertically spaced edges thereof, means .securing'together the horizontal flanges of contiguous stretcher members, header members each-having one end disposed between said flanges in spaced relation to the upper horizontal angesthereof and'secured to alternate rows Vof saidv superposed stretcher members, vertically spaced rows of similar stretcher members oppositely disposed to said first-named stretcher members and having iianges overlying the other of the ends`of said header members, vfiller members betweensaid rows of second-named stretcher members, and means securing together .said header. and the first-namedand second-named stretcher members and said filler and" the second-named stretcher members.

3.`In a'cribbing structure including front and rear walls, the combination of superposed rows of stretcher members forming the said walls, each stretcher member comprising a vertical web having vertically 'spaced horizontally disposed flanges, horizontally disposed header members spaced longitudinally of the walls between the walls and engaging between the anges of alternate rows of the stretcher members, suitable connecting members on said stretcher members connected'to the ends of said header members, said header members being of less vertical height than the spacing between said stretcher member flanges, and means securing said superposed stretcher members together and said header members between said stretcher member iianges.

4. In a cribbing structure of the character described, with header members extending from alternate rows of stretcher members, a iiller header member between adjacent vertically spaced header members and comprising a vertical web having rearwardly extending top and bottom anges, a member disposed across said web and connecting the said flanges, a member disposed across said anges and extending beyond the horizontal plane of said iianges for engagement with adjacent header members above and below said ller member, and means connecting the member between the ller member flanges and the member extending across iiller member flanges.

5. In a cribbing structure having a front face, a portion of which is disposed at an angle to other portions of the front face to form a corner or offset in said face, the combination of superposed rows of substantially channel shaped stretcher members forming the front face of the structure, means connecting said stretcher members preventing relative lateral displacement, header members spaced longitudinally of said face between the flanges of alternate rows of said stretcher members and secured thereto, said oiset or corner in the face of the cribbing structure being formed by-stretcher members having portions of the length thereof disposed at an angle to the remaining portions of the length. of

gaging between the anges of alternaterowsfof .the angularly disposed portions of the stretcher members, said latter-named head-er members also named header members so that no stretcher member olset or cornered in the wall shall have .two header members connected therewithand disposed at an angleto each other.Y Y

v6. In a cribbing structure of the character. described a stretcher beam comprising a vertical web extending longitudinally. of the beam, Vtop and bottom anges disposed rearwardly of said web, connected therewith, and extending substantially the length thereof, vertically disposed `end anges on said web disposed between said `top andv bottom flanges, a verticallydisposed `member mid-way. the ends of the beam and connected to saidweb between the top and bottom anges, and vertical reinforcing members for said beam spaced equi-distant on opposite sides of said vertically disposedmember and the .same distance inwardlyirom` each end flange of the beam.

.'7. In a cribbing structure of the character de-` scribed a stretcher beam comprising .a vertical Aweb extending longitudinally of the beam, a iiange disposed rearwardly of the. upper edge of said web, connected therewith and extending substantiallythelengththereof, a ange .disposed rearwardly of the bottom edge of said web, connected therewith and extending substantially the length thereof, the free edge of said bottom flange having a depending portion disposed outwardly of the vertical plane of the free edge of the upper ange of said beam, a vertically disposed member connecting said web and upper and lower flanges and disposedintermedate the ends of the beam, end flanges on said web disposed between said top and bottom flanges of said beam and vertical reinforcing members disposed equi-distant on opposite sides of said intermediate member and a similar distance inwardly from each end flange, said latter reinforcing members being connected to said upper and lower anges.

8. In a metal cribbing beam, the combination of a vertical web, top and bottom anges extending rearwardly from said vertical web, a plurality of apertures in one of said flanges spaced longitudinally thereof equi-distant from each end'of the beam and on opposite sides of the vertical center of said beam, apertures in the other flange of said beam registering with said rst named apertures and including an annular flange of less outside dimension than that of the apertures in the first-named apertured flange, said annular flange extending outwardly of the beam from its respective aperture, end anges on said vertical web disposed between said top and bottom anges and an aperture therein spaced from said vertical web of the beam.

9. In a cribbing structure, a ller member comprising a vertical web, rearwardly extending top and bottom iianges connected with the edges of said vertical web, apertures in said top and bottom flanges, the apertures in one flange having an annular flange extending outwardly from said vertical web, and vertically disposed reinforcing members connecting the top and bottom flanges adjacent opposite ends of the filler.

10. In a cribbing structure of the character described, a spacer member as a substitute for a stretcher member' and comprising a vertical web, top and y bottom flanges extending rearwardly from said Vertical web, the side edges of said web converging from one flange toward the other i er and headervvmembers, a capping 4member supl ported by the uppermost stretcher member and comprising a vertical web, top and bottom flanges extending rearwardly from said web, vertically disposed reinforcing members connecting said top and bottom flanges adjacent the thereof. f l

13,'In a cribbing structure comprising stretcher and header members, a capping member supported by the Vuppermost stretcher member and comprising a vertical web, rearwardly extending top and bottom Ilanges, a dependinglangefadjacent the free edge of said top flange; and vertically disposed reinforcing members connecting said top and bottom flangesvadjacent the ends thereof.

14. In a metal cribbing structure comprising superposed rows of self-supporting stretcher members, a stretcher member of substantially channel shape having a vertically disposed web extending longitudinally of the cribbing structure, a rearwardly disposed ange extending subend .portions las 'stantially the length of said web at the top there# of so as to provide support for.v the adjacent superposed stretcher member, a'similarly disposed bottom flange on said webV extending substantially the'length thereof and terminating in a dependl ing portion disposed outwardly of the vertical plane of the free edge of said top ange so as to overlap the top flange of the adjacent Asupporting stretcher. member, and a .plurality of vertically extending members disposed between said top and bottom flanges to maintain said anges in xed spaced relation and cooperating withsimi.- lar'members in adjacent stretcher members to provide rigidifying columns extending from top to bottomV of the structure.

15. .In a metal cribbing structure comprised of superposed rows of interlocking self-supporting stretcher members, a stretcher memberof substantially channel shape having a vertically disposed web. extending longitudinally of the4 cribbing structure and having its upperA and'lwer portions inclined rearwardly ofthe major portion of ltheweb and terminating in substantiallyhorif zontal flanges, the llongitudinal free' edge of the lower. of said flanges terminating in'a shorter depending flange, theY said web having vertically ex tending and longitudinally spaced'embossments connecting ,said flanges, the innerY edges ofY the embossments lying in a vertical plane substantially at the attachment of said flanges to said web, and a plurality of vertically extending members disposed between and connected Vto said flanges. Y, Y

ELMER S. UTZLER.-

MAX A., SCHLIENGER; 

